I had a birthday last weekend – my 40th trip around the sun! With the current restrictions I didn’t get to have a big party, so to have a bit of fun, in my next four newsletters I’ll be sharing some of my favourite things with you. So we are kicking off this week with 10 of my favourite residential projects. Some are local, some are from across the ditch, some are new builds and some are renovations.
Click through on each link to see more photos of each project – one picture doesn’t do enough justice! Photo credits can also be found on each of these links.
So here we go – in no particular order – some of my favourite residential architecture:
1. Hinterland House - Shaun Lockyer Architects
I’ll be honest with you – this is my dream house! I’ve always loved the palette of stone, timber and tin, and this house brings all these elements together in a simple but elegant way, with the iconic Australian verandah wrapping around. Sigh.
Location: Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Project Type: New Build
2. Coolamon House - DFJ Architects
Ok, so I might be a little biased with this selection as I did some of the documentation on this project while working for DFJ Architects. But I think you’ll agree with me that this house is worthy of mention. I love the elegance with which it sits in the landscape and cantilevers over the slope. And the courtyard and pool area set in behind the house, providing a sheltered area to enjoy the views when the wind roars up the hillside.
Location: Byron Hinterland
Project Type: New Build
3. Contemplation House - Virginia Kerridge
This stunning home is again, simple in form yet the detailing is exquisite. I love the use of aged timber and dark stained timber, creating a moody palette externally. And the warmth of the recycled blackbutt internally. And those views….
Location: Byron Hinterland
Project Type: New Build
4. Newfarm Cottage - Vokes and Peters
Vokes and Peters have designed a modern addition to rear of this Federation cottage which connects the new living area strongly to the backyard. I love the references to the federation era in their detailing, yet re-creating them in a modern way.
Location: Brisbane
Project Type: Renovation
5. Coopers Shoot House - Louise Walsh Interiors/Davis Architecture
I particularly love the interiors in this renovation which have a distinctly cottagey feel (is that even a word?) but are also modern, rich in colour and very engaging.
Location: Byron Hinterland
Project Type: Renovation
6. Shark Alley House - Fearon Hay
I love the simplicity of this house and how it perches in the landscape, and bunkers in at the rear to provide protection from the wind. The clean lines of the building form allow the epic views to take centre stage.
Location: NZ
Project Type: New Build
7. Back Country House - LTD Architecture
What’s not to love about this simple, honest and fuss-free ‘hut’ which has designed to be low maintenance and age gracefully. Some really clever features have been incorporated – including the inset outdoor baths that double as an outdoor eating area (with your feet in the tub!)
Location: NZ
Project Type: New Build
8. Fredericks White House - Glenn Murcutt
I couldn't present a collection of iconic Australian Architecture without including a house by Glenn Murcutt. This house features a brilliantly designed indoor/outdoor area that adapts to climatic conditions to ensure this space is usable year-round and immerses it's occupants in nature.
Location: South Coast NSW
Project Type: New Build
9. Fifth Avenue House - James Russell Architect
Another example of a great outdoor living area that gives the owners a usable and protected outdoor space that maintains privacy in this suburban setting without compromising the view.
Location: Brisbane
Project Type: Renovation
10. Forest and Beach House - Troppo Architects
Again, I may be a little biased with this one, as I worked for Troppo Architects for a few years when I first moved to Byron (but not on this house). I love the understated balance of concrete and timber in this house, creating the sense of solidity and openness. And the double height space is cleverly scaled down with the use of fine detailing in the shutters.
Location: Byron
Project Type: New Build
I hope you’ve found some inspiration in the projects above – and I’d love to hear which one is your personal favourite!
Cheers,
Fiona
p.s. If you're a current or past client of ours and would like to share about your experience with us, I'd be so grateful if you could write a google review. Simply google 'Sanctuary Design Studio' and click on the button at the bottom right that says 'write a review'. That would make the best birthday present ☺️